2018 Classes

Both Beginner and Intermediate Classes are scheduled for the 2018 – book early to get a place! You must register. Beginner Level or previous experience required for Intermediate Level course.

As individual classes are filled, the Blacksmith Coordinator works with the Blacksmiths to see if additional classes can be added. There is no guarantee of new classes, but we encourage you to check back at this page to see if new classes have been added.

There are 2 instructors for each class, either:

Darwyne Hourie and Larry Maughan, or

Mike Armstrong and Megan Carter

In order to confirm a spot in the blacksmith class you need to complete the registration form online and prepay the course fee.

Cancellations must be made 5 business days prior to the class date and there is a 3 % cancellation fee. If cancellation is less than 5 business days prior to the class date, the cancellation fee will be 50%.

If you are registering a blacksmith course for someone other than your self, the participant(s) will need to read the Shop Safety guidelines and sign the waiver.

The blacksmith class requires the students to be on their feet for most of a day and also requires stamina to be able to swing a hammer while working with hot steel and near a forge which emits heat and smoke. It is recommended that if you are not used to regularly working with a hammer, in preparation for taking this course that you exercise your arm muscles by practicing hammering while wearing eye protection.

BEGINNER LEVEL

In this class students will learn how to light and maintain a fire in a coal forge. Students will be introduced to forging tools, hammering techniques and proper tool use. Instructors demonstrate two or more beginner level projects and students will follow by making their own projects to take home.

INTERMEDIATE LEVEL

Students will return to the forge for two and a half days to improve their blacksmithing skills. In this class students will practice what has been learned in the previous class and be introduced to traditional joinery, striking techniques and forge welding. Students will complete various projects throughout the weekend or make one project with various forged elements.

Students must wear natural fibre clothing (cotton or wool); a hat; leather shoes/boots; gloves. Students should bring their own brown bag lunch.

ALL students will have to sign a waiver releasing the MHS from liability for any personal injury or damage. Upon signing the waiver and registration form, the MHS assumes that the student has read the Shop Safety Guidelines and agrees to adhere to them.

If you have any questions, please contact the course organizer, Bruce Carlin at bdcarlin@gmail.com

My day at the blacksmith forge in Milton Ontario. Unfortunately none of the video has me hammering anything but I had a blast and learned a lot while I forged a couple of coat hooks. Check them out if your interested.